Washington Green School options
Green School
Washington Gardening Course from WSU Extension
What is Washington Green School?
Washington Green School (Green School) is a Washington State University Extension course for people who want to improve their gardening experience by learning research-based horticulture and environmental stewardship practices. The curriculum addresses important sociological and environmental issues for a more resilient Washington.
- Develop your skills while preserving our state’s natural beauty.
- Become an advocate for our state’s ecosystems.
- Be part of the solution.
There are two tracks of study in Green School:
- Washington Gardener Certificate Track
- Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Track
The PNW Gardener’s Handbook is the official course textbook and is available as a free public download. Pacific Northwest Gardener’s Handbook Growing for the Future | WSU Extension Publications | Washington State University.
Washington Gardener Certificate Track
- A fully online course with virtual instruction
- “Washington Gardener” Certificate upon successful completion
- Supplement your resume
- Promote your business
- Grow your gardening knowledge
Next steps
- Complete online training.
- Complete quizzes with an average of 80%.
- Complete final exam with at least an 80%.
- Earn a Washington Gardener Certificate of Completion to display in place of employment, list on a resume, or to use in marketing.
Registration is currently closed and will reopen in late spring 2026.
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Track
The application period for the Extension Master Gardener Volunteer track is now closed. It will reopen in late spring 2026—we’re looking forward to welcoming new applicants then!
Key Requirements for Successful Completion:
- Completion of the Washington Green School program and local volunteer training
- Fulfillment of 40 hours of volunteer service during the training year
Benefits of becoming an Extension Master Gardener volunteer:
- “WSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteer” Certification upon successful completion of key requirements
- Your training prepares you to provide free, researched-based horticultural and gardening education to your community
- Building new friendships
- Embracing opportunities for lifelong learning
- Finding a renewed sense of purpose
Extension Master Gardeners make an impact by…
- Offering Plant Answer Clinics to support gardeners
- Delivering engaging community presentations
- Hosting hands-on gardening demonstrations
- Organizing educational youth workshops
- Contributing in many other meaningful ways!
Next Steps
- Complete application.
- Agree to volunteer at least 40 hours in the first year to earn WSU Extension Master Gardener certification. Agree to volunteer at least 25 hours per year and earn at least 10 hours of continuing education per year to maintain certification.
- Complete background check once accepted into the Program.
- Successfully complete Washington Green School.
- Attend local volunteer training.
WSU Extension Master Gardener applications become available at different times in each county but generally speaking from late spring to early summer*. Applicants will complete a required interview. Once accepted, access to register and pay for Green School as a volunteer will be given. Registration period is August 15-September 30. Classes begin in October.
*Reach out to the WSU Extension office in your local county to apply to the program.
Who Should Join Washington Green School?
Anyone living in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), including Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, or any interested person is welcome. While the content will be PNW-centric, core tenets like botany, soil science and entomology are applicable to gardeners world-wide.
Green Industry professionals may earn continuing education credit for course completion.
K-12 clock hours may also be available.
Learn who can benefit by earning a Washington Gardener Certificate.
Where We Teach
Online via a learning management system called Moodle. The live reviews will be delivered via Zoom. Extension Master Gardener volunteer track learners will attend local volunteer training located in their resident county. Dates and times for local volunteer training are determined by the respective county.